Communication – As mentioned, communication is essential in getting through the tough times. That said how well do you and your spouse communicate with one another? If there is open dialogue at all times, then chances are good you can work through pretty much anything. In the event this is not the case, things could get tough in a hurry. If you and your spouse have a serious disagreement, it is best to let things cool down. Trying to talk to one another when you’re both angry can be a recipe for disaster. Let a little time pass and talk when cooler heads prevail.

Forgiveness – There will be times when you will need to forgive your spouse for one reason or another. With that being the case, do you have it in you to do so? Not being able to forgive your spouse for something they said or did can be problematic. This can be true even when there is cheating going on in the marriage. Keep in mind that everyone makes mistakes at times. As a result, you need to be able to forgive one another. If you make a mistake, be willing to fess up to it. This shows that you are big enough to admit when you did wrong. That said don’t let your spouse take advantage of you with one mistake after another. He or she may feel they can get away with anything. If this happens, they may well lose respect for you.

Optimistic – Last, do your best to be optimistic about your marriage. Even couples married many decades have had a few ups-and-downs over the years. What often gets two people through such times is being optimistic about now and down the road. Rely on those times in your marriage in the past when things were a little rocky. Were you optimistic you’d both get through them? If so, be that eternal optimist once again. In doing so, you have a better chance of working through your differences.

Marriages take work each day to make it for the long haul.

As such, are you willing to put in the time and effort to have a successful one?